Sixteen Most Stunning Cafés and Coffee Shops in Tokyo

Tokyo’s café scene is flourishing, with trendy coffee roasters and chic tea houses popping up all over the city. Many of these establishments are housed in visually stunning spaces, often designed by top architects, making them worth a visit for more than just the coffee. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil spot to enjoy a latte or an elegant setting to unwind, Tokyo offers an array of beautiful cafés to explore.

Next time you’re in the mood for caffeine, forgo your usual Starbucks and discover one of these gorgeous spots in the capital.

Location: Kiyosumi
Koffee Mameya, renowned for its beans, has opened its first proper café in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Tokyo’s self-proclaimed coffee town. Koffee Mameya Kakeru is more than a simple coffee shop. In addition to takeaway options, the café offers a refined coffee tasting experience, where serious coffee lovers can sample various roasts starting from ¥3,500. The sleek, minimalist interior adds to the appeal, with counter seats facing the baristas, giving you a front-row view as they brew your perfect cup.

Location: Nezu
Socha, located near the serene Nezu Shrine, is a beautifully designed teahouse blending traditional Japanese architecture with modern touches. The teahouse was designed by Sobokya Design Office and features natural elements like wood and tatami mats throughout. Unique furniture pieces, such as a zelkova wood table and tatami chairs, enhance the space’s artisanal charm. Here, you can enjoy a range of Japanese teas, from freshly whisked matcha to iced hojicha, paired with traditional sweets from Yamanashi prefecture.

Location: Tama
This café, designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma, is a hidden gem in west Tokyo. The exterior is striking, featuring 700 bronze plates upcycled from a Shinto shrine in Hiroshima. Inside, the café showcases a collaboration of local artisans, with origami-inspired sheet metal art and ceramics complementing the warm, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy coffee roasted by Okayama-based Kinoshita Shouten and pair it with adorable crane- or shiba inu-shaped cookies.

Location: Omotesando
Located in the Gyre shopping centre, Uni Gyre is a chic café designed by Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects. The space is inspired by nature, with earthy tones and wooden cubes creating a Zen-like environment. The greenery surrounding the café adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to retreat from the busy Omotesando streets. The café’s sophisticated design and serene vibe are matched by its excellent selection of drinks and light bites.

Location: Nakameguro
Nestled under the Nakameguro train tracks, Chiya-ba is a chai specialist run by the same team behind the popular Nepalese restaurant Adi. The small, dark-hued space exudes a rustic yet luxurious charm, with a hidden lounge that feels like a boutique hotel lobby. The chai menu offers classic masala chai as well as unique options like lemon masala and Khukri rum chai. For those who prefer something different, there’s also a selection of Nepalese teas, coffee, natural wine, and craft beer.

Location: Harajuku
Designed by Keiji Ashizawa, Dotcom Space embodies Japanese minimalism at its finest. Despite being located in a basement, the clever use of natural light gives the café an airy feel. The large communal table, barista bar, and private event space make it one of the more versatile cafés in Tokyo. The highlight is the peaceful courtyard, where the retractable doors open up to let in fresh air, creating a perfect place to enjoy your coffee.

Location: Akasaka
Located inside the Sogetsu Kaikan building, Connel Coffee is a minimalist haven designed by Nendo. With its glass ceilings and large windows overlooking lush green forests and a stone garden, the café offers a serene retreat. The warm cherry wood floors and coffee counters, coupled with modern furnishings, make this spot ideal for both coffee enthusiasts and remote workers, with power outlets and free Wi-Fi available.

Location: Sangenjaya
This minimalist tea parlour in Sangenjaya is a perfect example of how to blend modern design with traditional Japanese tea culture. Visitors can sit at the sleek wooden counter and watch as their tea is brewed using hand drippers. Although the space is small, it’s incredibly well designed, offering a relaxing experience for tea lovers. Tokyo Saryo showcases the beauty of Japanese tea traditions in a contemporary setting.

Location: Sakura-Shinmachi
Kyoto’s beloved Ogawa Coffee has brought its expertise to Tokyo with the opening of Ogawa Coffee Laboratory. The spacious café, designed by Yusuke Seki Studio, is a study in subtlety, with muted tones and a wrap-around counter that invites customers to engage with the baristas. The large windows flood the space with natural light, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy their expertly roasted coffee.

Location: Harajuku
This café is a collaboration between two beloved Tokyo institutions: Higuma Doughnuts and Coffee Wrights. The sunken space, designed by Chab Design, is bathed in natural light thanks to its large windows. The concrete walls and plywood furnishings give it a casual, laid-back feel. Pair your coffee with one of Higuma’s famous doughnuts for a perfect afternoon treat.

Location: Harajuku
This spacious café is situated on the second floor of the new Harajuku Station building. Designed by Suppose Design Office, the interior combines modern elements with traditional Japanese touches, such as shoji screens and a bonsai tree. The highlight is the massive central wooden table, perfect for those looking to get some work done while enjoying their coffee.

Location: Kayabacho
Housed in a historic former bank building, Switch Coffee Tokyo K5 is a unique spot that feels like a blend between a café and a greenhouse. The café shares its space with a restaurant, offering a serene atmosphere with plenty of greenery. Choose from a range of expertly brewed single-origin coffees, including an unusual but refreshing iced coffee with tonic water.

Location: Yanaka
This kissaten, or traditional Japanese coffee shop, is housed in a charming machiya-style building in Yanaka. Renovated in 2009, the café retains its old-world charm while incorporating modern touches. The second floor features tatami-style seating, offering a traditional Japanese experience with a contemporary twist.

Location: Aoyama
Sakurai is a high-end tea house located on the fifth floor of the Spiral Building in Omotesando. The space, designed by Shinichiro Ogata, offers a multi-sensory tea experience. The bar, accented with copper, seats just eight, allowing for an intimate tea-tasting experience. Sakurai also boasts a tea roasting room where its hojicha is made.

Location: Shibuya
Set in the newly revamped Kitaya Park, this Blue Bottle café is a modern masterpiece. The interior is lined with volcanic tiles, while minimalist seating designed by architect Keiji Ashizawa provides a clean and stylish setting to enjoy your coffee. With a second-floor balcony overlooking the park, it’s an ideal spot to relax after a busy day in Shibuya.

Location: Akasaka
This stunning café is part of the flagship Toraya confectionery store in Akasaka. The two-storey building was refurbished by architect Hiroshi Naito, with a striking wood and glass structure topped by a black lacquer roof. Inside, the café is lined with warm cypress wood, creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Be sure to visit the basement gallery, where you can learn about the traditional wagashi-making process.